Ligue 1: Valenciennes 0 Saint Etienne 0

Saint Etienne could lose their hold on a Champions League place after being held to a scoreless Ligue 1 draw at struggling Valenciennes on Friday.

Christophe Galtier’s men, now unbeaten in their last 13 games in the French top flight, could not find a breakthrough at Stade du Hainaut in a game devoid of goalmouth action.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had the visitors’ best chance after 15 minutes but the Gabon striker shot well over after intercepting Rudy Mater’s pass.

At the other end, Saint Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier was forced to tip the ball over after Gael Danic’s curled shot.

The second half failed to inspire, with both sides struggling to carve out chances when foraying forward.

Following a fourth draw in five matches, Saint Etienne sit in third place on 54 points but could slide to fifth if Lyon (53 points) and Lille (52 points) win over the weekend.

Valenciennes, who have won just one of their last 13 games in Ligue 1, stay in 13th place on 37 points.